Irresistible Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars: Your Ultimate Recipe Guide
There are some flavor combinations that are simply destined for greatness, and the harmonious pairing of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips is undoubtedly at the top of that list. Imagine taking this classic duo, elevating it with the wholesome goodness of whole wheat flour, and then packing it all into convenient, easy-to-bake bars, complete with delightful mini peanut butter cups for an extra layer of indulgence. The result? These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – a truly unforgettable treat that promises to satisfy even the most intense dessert cravings.
Lately, I’ve found myself locked in a perpetual battle with an insistent cookie craving. It’s a delightful, yet persistent urge that seems to surface daily, prompting me to seek out any and every justification to whip up a fresh batch of cookies. My inner monologue often goes something like this:
- “I powered through my to-do list and got all my work done ahead of schedule!” (A perfectly valid reason for a celebratory treat, right?)
- “I hit the gym and had a fantastic workout today!” (Surely, I’ve earned a little reward for all that effort.)
- “Look, it’s Wednesday! We’ve made it halfway through the week, and that definitely calls for something special.” (Because why not celebrate the small victories?)
After a string of these self-negotiations, the sweet whispers of chocolate and peanut butter became too strong to resist. So, I finally gave in to my delightful compulsion and decided to bake these incredible cookie bars. It was a decision I certainly don’t regret, and neither will you!
This particular recipe isn’t just a new creation; it’s a magnificent fusion, a carefully crafted combination of two of my absolute favorite dessert concepts. It draws inspiration from my beloved peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, known for their perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor, and my popular whole wheat chocolate chip cookie bars, celebrated for their unique depth and satisfying chew. As I anticipated, the outcome of blending these two favorites was nothing short of fabulous. These cookie bars effortlessly hit all the right notes, not only satisfying my intense cookie craving but also leaving a lasting impression with their delightful taste and texture.
You might be wondering about the inclusion of whole wheat flour in a dessert recipe. Adding whole wheat flour to cookies or bars often sparks a thought that it’s an attempt to make them “healthier,” a way to subtly reduce the guilt of indulging. While whole wheat flour does offer more fiber and nutrients than its all-purpose counterpart, that’s genuinely not the primary reason I choose to incorporate it into my baking here. For me, it’s all about the subtle, yet significant, enhancement it brings to both the flavor and texture profile. Whole wheat flour imparts a lovely, slightly nutty undertone that beautifully complements the rich, savory notes of peanut butter and the sweetness of chocolate. Moreover, it contributes to a chewier, more substantial texture, making each bite feel incredibly satisfying and adding a delightful complexity that plain flour simply can’t achieve. It’s an ingredient chosen for its culinary merits, not just its nutritional ones.
These bars truly embody the essence of a fun and easy treat. They are the quintessential spur-of-the-moment baking project, perfect for those days when a sudden, undeniable craving for something sweet and comforting strikes. Their straightforward preparation means you don’t need extensive planning or a vast array of specialized equipment to create something truly delicious. They come together quickly, bake beautifully, and transform simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether it’s a spontaneous weeknight indulgence or a quick contribution to a potluck, these bars are your go-to recipe for effortless deliciousness.
baking tip:How to Achieve Perfectly Thick Brownies and Cookie Bars
Achieving those wonderfully thick, tall, and satisfying brownies or cookie bars is surprisingly simple, and it largely comes down to one key factor: your choice of baking pan. If you desire a more substantial bar with a greater height, the trick is to use a smaller pan than what might be typically suggested for a similar volume of batter.
For instance, many recipes designed for a standard 9×13-inch baking pan can be perfectly adapted to an 9-inch square pan without needing to adjust the ingredient quantities. Similarly, if a recipe calls for a 9-inch square pan, you can often achieve an even thicker result by using an 8-inch square pan instead. Of course, while this general rule applies to most bar and brownie recipes, there might be rare exceptions where the batter volume or density makes a significant difference, so always trust your judgment and the recipe’s specific notes.
The most important adjustment you’ll need to make when opting for a smaller, deeper pan is to the baking time. Thicker bars naturally require more time in the oven to cook through evenly, ensuring the center is fully baked without the edges becoming overdone. Begin checking for doneness a bit later than the original recipe suggests, looking for golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Apart from extending the baking duration, you generally shouldn’t need to make any other changes to the recipe’s ingredients or mixing method.
Another helpful tip for any bar recipe is to line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “slings” that allow you to easily lift the entire slab of baked bars out of the pan once cooled, making slicing incredibly neat and simple. A light grease or nonstick spray under the parchment will help it stick to the pan, ensuring it stays in place as you press in your delicious dough.
Ready to bake your own batch of these delightful bars? Here’s the precise recipe to guide you through creating these mouth-watering Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter , at room temperature (113 grams)
- ¾ cup peanut butter , smooth or crunchy (225 grams)
- 1 ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (225 grams)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (283 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (200 grams)
- 1 cup mini peanut butter cups , see Note (200 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Alternatively, generously grease the pan with a nonstick cooking spray.
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In the spacious bowl of a stand mixer, equipped with a paddle attachment, combine the softened unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and packed brown sugar. Beat these ingredients together on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and creamy. Remember to pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the stand mixer bowl, mixing on medium-low speed until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Finally, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the mini peanut butter cups until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Evenly press the prepared cookie dough into your lined or greased baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Once baked, allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang and slicing them into desired portions. Cooling thoroughly is key for clean, easy slices.
Notes
Once your irresistible Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars have cooled, it’s time for the ultimate reward: slicing and serving! For the cleanest cuts, ensure the bars are completely cool. You can even pop them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm them up before slicing, especially if you used the parchment paper sling method. These bars are fantastic enjoyed at room temperature, but a slight warming in the microwave can bring out the melty chocolate and gooey peanut butter cups for an extra indulgent experience. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert.
For storage, keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and chewiness. If you’re lucky enough to have them last longer, they also freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm them for a quick, homemade treat anytime a craving strikes.
These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to indulge in a classic comfort food, enhanced with thoughtful ingredients and crafted for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe offers a simple path to immense satisfaction. So, next time that cookie craving hits, don’t fight it. Embrace it, head to your kitchen, and bake up a batch of these truly delightful bars. You deserve this moment of sweet bliss!